Nutritionist takes on Krislin Kuuskemaa's 'miracle drink' claims with science

Retreat organizer Krislin Kuuskemaa posted a video on Instagram making baseless claims that alkaline water is a health product that helps prevent disease. Kaisa Kopliste, a nutritionist at Meliva clinic, responded with her own video debunking all of Kuuskemaa's claims using scientific arguments. Kuuskemaa characterizes the criticism as an attack and suggests jealousy is the motive.

Estonia is embroiled in a dispute over so-called health products on social media: Krislin Kuuskemaa, a retreat organizer and entrepreneur, posted an Instagram video about alkaline water, or a so-called "miracle drink," claiming it helps the body heal and prevent disease.

Kaisa Kopliste, a nutritionist working at Meliva clinic, decided to publicly refute Kuuskemaa's claims. She posted an Instagram video explaining the science behind why alkaline water cannot affect the cell nucleus or the human body in the way Kuuskemaa suggests.

According to Kopliste's explanation, the human body regulates its own acid-base balance, and the pH level of the water consumed does not reach cells unchanged — the stomach neutralizes the alkaline water before it is even absorbed into the bloodstream. According to the nutritionist, such claims lack scientific foundation.

Kuuskemaa herself has not taken the criticism well. She has called Kopliste's reaction a direct attack on her personally and also pointed to jealousy as a possible motive. On social media, the topic has found widespread resonance, sparking debate about where the line lies between sharing personal opinion and spreading misleading health information.

The case raises a broader question about the spread of health misinformation on social media, where influencers' recommendations often reach larger audiences than explanations from experts.